Friend to Friend party scheduled for Feb. 9

Agrilife Extension Service Hale County

Published 9:42 am, Saturday, December 22, 2012

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Friend to Friend party scheduled for Feb. 9

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In 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 202,964 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,598 U.S. women died from breast cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women of all races.

The best prevention of breast cancer is early detection, which is why it is important that women receive annual screening mammograms. Research has shown that mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer leads to a greater range of treatment options, including less-aggressive surgery. The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. As a woman ages, her chances of developing breast cancer increase. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a good candidate for breast cancer treatment, she should continue to be screened with an annual mammogram. If there is a question about a woman being a good candidate, she should thoroughly discuss it with her physician.

Some women choose not to get mammograms because of the cost. Beginning in 2011, the Affordable Care Act required that all new health insurance plans fully cover screening mammograms without any out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. This is also required of Medicare. For uninsured women and those not eligible for Medicare, resources are available for which these women may qualify. To help women learn about these resources and how to access them, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hale County will be conducting a Friend to Friend party on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Education Board Room (2411 Yonkers, Plainview). A health professional at the event will provide information about both breast and cervical cancers. In addition to the speaker, there will be discussion of the obstacles that prevent women from getting mammograms and Pap tests. Exhibitors will be present, and participants will have an opportunity to schedule a screening mammogram. Help will be provided to direct women who qualify to financial resources that will cover the cost of a screening mammogram. To learn more about the Friend to Friend party, contact Deana Sageser, CEA-FCS at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Hale County at 806-291-5270.